Chapter 3- Dancing on a Volcano
James cracked his eyes open, when a gentle melodic noise rang out. His hand groped about on his nightstand, until he found the alarm. Without paying attention how he looked like he climbed out of bed. It was a little after five and the dark blue night sky was slowly disappearing to step aside for a new morning.
Nobody was already awake around this time, even not Mrs Easton. So why had he gotten up so early? The answer was simple enough, twice a week he went with Sirius to a nearby running track and now was one of those times, but he wanted to get the newspaper first. Because James knew, exactly around this time came the Muggle newspaper carrier.
With blurred vision, because he had not put on his glasses yet, he walked down the corridor. In his T-Shirt and Boxers he opened his door and stepped on the threshold. Immediately he drew his right foot back into his apartment. There lay something soft with... feathers or fur? Disgusted he bent down and recognized, despite his bleary vision the outline of a dead bird.
"UGH!" complained James loudly, "That is disgusting," and he immediately examined his sole for any possible bird remains. As he did not see anything he stepped over it and got the morning paper. As he went past the door of his neighbor a nasty meow could be heard. James stopped dead in the tracks.
Not possible, he thought. The cat cannot have done that intentionally and he continued. However, as James came up the stairs he could hear the cat again. Clearly this beast hissed and it reminded him of the cat from movie; a girl named Alice had an encounter with an insane cat but he couldn't remember the name. The cat is laughing at me, he considered scandalously. But then he became conscious to the fact that cats could certainly not laugh and he walked to his flat; stepped over the dead bird and closed the door behind him.
Short time later James left the house and jogged to the sports field. The streetlights went out when he had reached the half-way point on his way. Cool morning air struck him in the face and James noticed how his body awoke slowly. Not that he wouldn't have been awake after the unfortunate incident with the dead bird, but cold spring air was clearly a more pleasant method.
During his way his mind went back to the cat. James had looked at the mailbox of his neighbor, but still no name was attached. Also beside the bell button there was only an empty, nameless slot. Perhaps I should go over and have a little chat, wondered James, but rejected this thought immediately, because he trusted that he would see his neighbor soon enough. She's only been living there for 2 days, he reasured himself.
From a distance he easily recognized Sirius at the entrance of the sports field. He wore a dark-green wool hat and had squeezed his black hair underneath it. In addition he wore a black jacket and short tracksuit trousers, which let his white legs sting out.
"Padfoot, you should wear a scarf, or gloves, or . . . something to distract people from your blindingly white legs! That black does not compliment your envy-worth toned skin," noticed James as he approached his friend.
Sirius grinned. "Ouch, that hurt. You cut me deep, Prongs. But I don't attend the Yule ball, so nobody needs to carry a torch for me," he smirked. "But how are you? You look like you had a bad night and no beauty sleep," he asked and both entered the track.
"I wish it had been a bad night. Rather a bad start to a bad day," his friend explained and they easily passed an older lady, who crawled like a snail along the outer orbit of the running track.
"Ouch again. Having problems with your charming colleague?" Padfoot grinned and pulled the hat down further to protect him from cool air. James eyed him disbelievingly, but answered his question. Occasionally they had to stop, because Sirius had a laughing fit when he heard of the zipper prank and of James's Claustrophobic fit.
"... and now the Dragon is forcing me to wait a whole week," ended Prongs.
"Uh-oh, that is bad," answered his best friend somewhat breathless.
"Why?"
"Because I told your Lillian that I would sell if she goes with me to the Bones' party." James regarded him with a shocked expression.
"You . . . you . . . what?!" Echoed it over the running track and in the distance crows took flight complaining about the noise.
"I was under the impression that you wind your clients around your little finger," Sirius defended himself. "You always do that!"
"Padfoot!" Prongs struggled for control. "We are talking about Augusta Longbottom! You still remember the time when she... "
"Please, don't remind me," he interrupted him. "That was my biggest trauma until I came to Hogwarts and had McGonagall as the Head of our house!" James smirked, but stopped instantly.
"What am I going to do now? I know you; you gave her your word? Didn't you?"
"Indeed, that I did."
"Shit! Why do you always have to be so honest and always stand by your word?" James grumbled as he ruffled his hair
"You raised me that way," Sirius shot back and winked.
"Yeah, sure, blame it all on me," James wheezed somehow desperate, "Because I have too much guilt to carry already!" Sirius grinned sardonically, but James just scowled.
"Well I know that, that's why I blame you . . . you know what? I'll have Frank talk to his formidable mother," Padfoot cheered him up and stopped. "Come on. Let's call it quits. My side is killing me and cramping up."
His friend laughed. "That was perhaps 20 minutes."
"Nevertheless it's enough. Too much is unhealthy." Sirius smiled as he took slow steady breaths.
"If you would apply this attitude to other things."
"Well I do that. But believe me, Frank won't let you down!"
XXXXXXXXX
When Lily left her flat, she could not let the opportunity slip away to take a look and admire the dead bird on the threshold of her neighbor's flat. "You did a good job;" she cooed to her cat and ruffled Minnie behind the ears. Leisurely the cat sat down on the sill while Lily closed the door.
"I am back around 5, Minnie. Have a beautiful day," and she ruffled the cat a last time. With a meow the cat said good-bye and Lily left the apartment.
She had turned around the corner of the hall, when James came from the other direction. Sweat ran down his face and he breathed deeply. Despite being tired from his early run, he had run up the stairs. When he had reached the last step he immediately saw the gigantic fur ball sitting on the sill.
With playful movements the tail of the cat whipped up and down. Both eyed the other critically.
"So, that bird was a present from you," James grinned and bent down. The large cat didn't break the eye contact. It seemed like to examine him properly.
James carefully extended his hand out for Minerva to snuff. The cat reminded him more of a monstrous Kneazle, with its bushy tiger like fur, the large paws, her large ears, her bright green eyes, and the too small pink nose. These eyes reminded James of someone, but he could for the life of him who it was. Carefully he stroked over the large head and over the back, when he noticed a collar, which was deeply buried under the thick fur.
"Look what we found here. Now I will know whom you belong to," he said enthusiastic and dug for the collar.
There was not the name of the owner, unfortunately, but it was the name of the cat.
~Minerva~
Prongs almost jumped a foot in the air and immediately let go of the collar. He would have fallen on his backside, but he used his hands to catch himself.
That couldn't be McGonagall. He had seen her in her Animagus form and she definitely hadn't looked that way. In addition James reminded himself, that Minerva McGonagall was still teaching at Hogwarts. Molly Weasley had told him proudly only some time ago that her second son had come to Gryffindor.
"Who, in the name of Merlin, would give you such a name," James asked astonished, "Your owner must be really old and senile." Minnie hissed threateningly and her ears flattened against her head.
"Wow, don't get your fur in a twist!" he lifted his hands in an unthreatening manmer, "Your owner is not old and senile. The opposite, she is absolutely pretty and simply stunning!"
"Meow."
"Hey, are you talking to me?"
"Meow."
James blinked briefly. I got up too early; he thought and ran his hands over his face. Or Lily hexed me and now I'm having hallucinations. Shakily he got up again and went to his door. "By the way, you can take the dead bird away. Alright?"
Minerva simply looked at him and again moved her bushy tail up and down. Prongs unlocked the door and disappeared in his flat.
However Minnie got up from the threshold and tiptoed down the stairs, in order to catch another bird, or perhaps also a mouse. She would decide when something crossed her way under the elder bush in the neighbor garden.
XXXXXXXXXXX
Lily arranged some documents on her desk. How is it that I manage to have my desk look as if a Niffler had rooted through it already? She shook the thought from her head as a loud "crack" sounded and James apparated in front of her. For a short moment Lily was tempted to scold him for apparating directly into the office so thoughtlessly, but when she saw the look on his face she forgot this intention immediately.
"Good morning, Lily," he greeted and ran his hand through his already messy hair.
"Morning James," she answered colder than she actually wanted to and he slightly flinched at the sound of her voice.
"Lily, you know what happened yesterday evening . . . I'm sorry. I know that went too far."
Surprised, she looked up from her desk. The last thing she had expected was James apologizing.
"Well, my prank was . . ." she began and blushed, but he interrupted her.
"No, I had deserved it," he replied completely engulfed in humility and his hazel eyes looked at her sadly.
I have to admit considered Lily He can apologize and excite compassion extremely well, she smirked. He probably had a lot of practice from his time in school.
"It's okay," she said in a friendlier tone. "I believe we should start fresh," she offered, "We'll simply forget that you..."
Melanie seized the handle hastily and opened the office door. Immediately Lily grew silent.
"Good morning," wished Mel merrily, but her heart raced with excitement. That was close, she thought and patted herself mentally on the shoulder for the fact that she had decided to listen at the door when she had heard a loud noise that had sounded like a crack. Melanie had assumed both would be fighting and Lily had broken something from anger, but she had not expected that they would want to talk about all that mess. That could have gone terribly wrong, Melanie breathed deeply.
"Morning," murmured her two colleagues and James sat down hastily behind his desk.
Its clear that both don't want to speak in front me, laughed Melanie in her thoughts. Those two are so easy to figure out and she sat down behind her desk.
The morning passed very quickly. Lily and James threw each other furtive looks, and each time the other didn't see it.
Lily wished that she could hex Melanie because she had interrupted her discussion with James. We could have make up, she groaned. Then everything would have been so much simpler. Then we could talk normally, like colleagues. We wouldn't be silent and I could get to know him. Dreamily she regarded his muscular torso. I wonder how it is to lie in his arms and she glanced out of the window.
Why did Mel have to burst in like that? James thought annoyed as he regarded Lily, who had risen to search something in a file. He tried to commit her every feature in his memory. A crème white silk blouse and a knee-length black skirt coated her slim shape. Prongs glanced over her body down to her delicate feet. He knew that despite her high-heeled shoes she would probably reach under his chin and he asked himself how it probably felt to hold Lily in his arms. To feel her body and inhale her smell. Perhaps I could talk now with Lily and invite her to dinner. But no, Melanie sits here like a dragon on its eggs and doesn't move at all. Why is the Imperius forbidden? I would really like to use it now.
James was pondering how he could invite Lily for dinner, when his telephone rang.
"James Potter," he said.
"Frank here," answered a well-known voice.
"Hey Frank, how are you?" Lily listened suddenly up and so did Melanie.
"Aha. Mhhh," hummed James. "Surprises? Today I talked with a cat. Nothing can surprise me anymore today," he laughed and Lily couldn't help but to look at him longingly. Her gaze moved slowly over his face, his neck. Admired again the muscular torso and... then was the desk in the way.
Damn! I wish I was an Occlumens, Lily thought angrily. Then I would know what's going on in the back of his head!
But unfortunately she could not read minds so she listened strained for the meager answers, which James gave.
"Wow, three days?!" James burst out.
Oh bugger, she thought and closed weakens her eyes. That couldn't be true. He will close the contract on the same day as I. Now it depends on the second. Oh no, I hate stress, Lily groaned and was close to permitting her head to fall on top of her desk. I should transform Frank at the next opportunity into a heap of ash, she decided.
Lily saw James hung up with satisfaction. Mel smirked. "Who wants a cup of coffee?" she inquired and got off her chair. On to the next round, now they won't make up. . . Now I must watch out and make sure that they don't do anything mutually to one another, considered Melanie evilly.
"Yes," answered Lily, "With milk please."
"And you James?" Melanie asked sugar-sweetly.
"Nothing, thanks," he rejected the offer.
Melanie disappeared from the office and silence spread again, until James spoke.
"What did you want to say before Mel came in?" He leaned self-assuredly on the desk.
"Uhm, we should start anew from the beginning. We will close the contracts now on the same day, and then we'll be on the same level," she smiled, however she wanted to see Sirius Black's signature around midnight on the contract.
"We'll have the contracts on the same day in the bag, but who will have the signature from us first?" James seemed to read her thoughts.
"I don't know," Lily said.
Prongs studied her in detail. "You believe that you'll close the deal first," he assured her on the head and she swallowed heavily. Is my facial expression so traitorous, Lily pondered?
"No, I don't believe that," she denied fast, however too fast.
James looked at her knowingly. "What do you think of a bet," he offered. "To give the whole situation a bit more flavor."
Lily considered his suggestion for a second before answering slowly: "Alright . . . The bet?"
"Something we normally wouldn't do."
Small wrinkles appeared on her forehead as she thought about the bet he was proposing. But it was the perfect opportunity to connect the unpleasant with the pleasant. "I know. It seems to me that you don't cook often, Muggle style anyways." She said triumphantly. "If I close my contract first, you must cook for me."
James gave her a tormented look telling her that she had been correct in her assumption. How do Muggles cook? Have I ever actually ever done that, he considered; but then he came to his senses that he had to think something for Lily.
"Do you regularly play sports?" He asked. Lily had a bad feeling about what he was suggesting. She had a good figure, but that had been given to her from outset. Sport? It was a foreign word for her. "No, actually not," she answered slowly.
James grinned nastily. "I go jogging twice a week. I would be pleased to have your company."
"Okay," she answered in the firm conviction to win, "My witch's word of honor against your wizard one."
"Well well," he said and took his wand out of his desk and Lily also dug her wand out of her handbag.
"Word of honor," both said and from two directions supplied golden and silver jets to the other. They devoured themselves into one another and exactly in the moment, as Melanie exploded into the room with the coffee.
Hastily Lily and James hid their wands.
"What was that?" Mel asked surprised.
"There was a reflection of light from that neighboring building," James lied very fast.
"Again?" She wanted to know.
Lily looked at James asking. Apparently this hadn't been the first time Melanie had burst in while James had been doing a charm.
XXXXXXXXX
Sirius waited anxiously in front of the Bones' house. He nervously fiddled with his fly again. It was against his habit to be over-punctually and early, but here he was waiting for Lily. James would have never forgiven him if he had made her wait.
I wonder what will happen tonight, Padfoot pondered and politely greeted a man and a woman, who climbed the stairs up to the door as he continued to wait. The party was already in full swing and he suspected that the worse could happen. The parties with the Bones were notorious and like each year James would also come and together they would mingle with the upper members of society. He hoped at least.
Light of a car came slowly more near and finally stopped before the house. The door of the black cab opened and a foot appeared, then a second, and then the person stepped out completely. Although only an aged, weak lantern lit up the sidewalk Sirius was at a lost for words. I wonder how would Lily look without the long black cloak?
"Good evening," she greeted and smiled. "I'm sorry, I'm late."
"Don't be sorry." Padfoot collected himself again and offered her his arm.
Lily studied him in detail. He wore elegant and tailor made dress robes. Now everything became clear. Why hadn't she thought about it sooner?
"Are there Muggles here as well this evening?" She asked without hesitation.
"No, wizard community only," answered Sirius merrily.
He knows that I am a witch, considered Lily, James must have talked to him.
"Then James will be here this evening as well?" She continued to inquire.
"He will somewhat later and then we'll mix up the party," he grinned and she smiled. Sirius pushed the bell button and after two seconds the door opened. Lily could not recognize anybody and it was clear to her that there were probably several house-elves that performed their work invisibly.
"May I take your cloak?" Sirius asked and placed himself ready behind her.
"Thanks," Lily said as she unfastened her cloak. When Padfoot had taken the cloak off of her shoulders he stared at her in shock. She wore an olive-colored, long silk dress, which gleamed different hues and shades in the light with each of her movements, was held together in her neck by two diamonds and hugged her slim figure in the perfect places. But that wasn't it, that him, Sirius Black had caused lack of words. Rather it was her exposed back, which extended from her neck to short over her coccyx. Sirius swallowed heavily and turned around.
Don't look at her, he thought. Don't even think about what you want to think. That is James' terrain alone. Hopefully Marlene will be here to distract me, prayed Sirius to Merlin.
"Shall we?" Lily asked and smiled.
"Sure," Sirius turned to her and offered her his arm.
Together they entered the salon and Lily took in the atmosphere immediately to herself. The high dark-green walls were decorated with old paintings that had heavy golden frames. The ceiling was decorated with unloading stucco works and heavy carpets partly covered the shining Mahogany parquet. Heavy armchairs and showcases filled with historic relics reminded the onlookers how historically important this area had to be. How many important decisions were made here could only be suspected and Lily let the feeling sprinkle over her and encouraged her. This was her evening to enjoy and relish, and she knew it.
Lily saw immediately that there must have been an enlargement charm laid on the house because no one would have expected so many people to fit in one place. Warm lights from hidden sources lit the black Dressrobes of the gentlemen and the colored dresses or dress robes of the women.
Padfoot was embarrassingly conscious that everyone was looking at Lillian and him. Surely they all pondered about the young woman, why she accompanied him the last heir to the Black Family, where he knew her from, and particularly what the relationship status between them was.
Heads held up high they mixed with the society and Sirius had his hands full explaining the presence of Lily to everyone, all of whom welcomed and regarded her curiously. Padfoot was beside himself with nerves with all the questions, as if he was on a debutante's ball, but drew a deep relieved breath when Frank Longbottom with his girlfriend, Alice, and his mother came and took the thing into hand.
In safe distance Sirius sat relaxing in one of the cozy armchairs, with a Firewhisky in his hand and couldn't hide a smile. His female company was entangled into and unreasonable amount of discussions of several wizards and witches. Augusta stood guarding beside her favorite and made sure that nobody came too close.
Like a security dragon, I should recommend her to Gringotts, he thought and had to stifle his laughter
"Where have you left Lillian?" A voice asked and Padfoot turned to the newcomer.
"Prongs, it's about time. I'm already bored to death. See the cobwebs?" He pointed under his arms.
"You and bored?"
"Yeah, nobody engages me in a conversation."
"Oh," James grinned. "The large black dog has nobody to play with."
"Yeah, I have nobody," pouted his best friend, "Lillian was snatched away from me."
James pulled up a brow and regarded him skeptically. "Is she still here? I don't see her at all."
"Naturally she is still here. She is over there," he pointed in the direction where she was talking. "However you cannot see her, because the Prewetts, Bones, and Abbots have encircled her and soon will talk her into coma. Since our arrival I've probably said two sentences to her."
"Well, I will rescue her then," Prongs decided it was time, patted Sirius cheerily on the shoulder and walked to the group that had circled Lily.
"James, wait," Padfoot wanted to stop him, because he could imagine the reaction of his best friend, when he would see Lillian in this dress. But Prongs only declined and continued.
James approached the small crowd. Now he could see her shining red hair, it was put up in and elegant knot and she wore silver, spiral earrings, those merrily began to dance, when she moved her head. When he saw her face he noticed immediately that she was bored to death and only out of politeness smiled and answered questions.
Lily suddenly felt like someone was watching her and she looked past Gideon Prewett. There James stood. His hair was, as always, wild and messy; his glasses reflected briefly the light, when he came to her. On his face a smile appeared, which caused her knees to become soft. And then her eyes moved over his torso. The black material of his suit stretched itself perfectly over his broad shoulders. His jacket was open and a narrow black tie divided his white shirt. His shape reminded her much of a picture of the Beatles, where all four wore these suits and around the neck had bound this tie.
He looked simple... amazing.
Self-assuredly Prongs came to her. "Good evening, Lillian," he said in a voice that nearly caused Lily to faint.
Just now he could see her full appearance and he could only just stare at her. No thought was in his head. No consideration went through his mind. No word reached his tongue. James was like petrified.
"Hello, James," she said and she extended her hand for him to take. He took it reflexively and instead of shaking it he placed a kiss on the back of her hand which caused chill to run up her spine. When his lips left her soft skin he was again the master of his senses and he knew why he had come to her.
Augusta regarded the scene warily, along with the others who were standing around and talking to Lily moments before.
"Lily, can I talk to you for a second?" James asked. "There is some matter concerning one of our customers." He saw the alarmed look of Mrs. Longbottom and felt the invisible arrows in his back, which his competitors had shot wordlessly at him.
"Sure, " she answered. "Excuse me for a second," Lily smiled and raked herself under his arm.
They had gone a few steps, when it broke from her. "Oh Merlin, thanks. I thought nobody would rescue me."
James laughed. "I saw the look on your face that you bored to death. Then I thought I would rescue you."
"I will be grateful for it for all eternity!" She answered sovereignty and together walked over to Sirius.
"Ah, James released you from your fans," he grinned, "Then we should made a run for it, before someone notices you not surrounded."
"But where?"
"Next door is the dance salon," suggested James. "We could go there."
"I heard no music," Lily was surprised.
"There are silencing charms so that the guests are not disturbed by the music in here. The Bones thinks simply of all," he explained.
"Oh, well then, let's go," and they went together over the corridor.
The dance salon was still larger and it looked completely different from the sitting area in which they had been before. Brightly and friendly they were welcomed with white and apricot colored walls. There were huge mirrors and bright parquet. There were as many witches and wizards in this room as in the first one. Sirius observed the crowd with a shrewd eye
"Ah, there is Marlene! You excuse me please," he smiled and disappeared.
"Well this is awkward," James said as he shook his head, "He invites you and then leaves you here with me."
"Well, we must do the best of it," she sighed playfully.
"I think, we will succeed," he insured her. "Would you like to dance?"
"I would love to."
Together they walked on the dance floor. James took her right hand into his left and put his other hand on her hip. With his fingertips, he touched her naked skin and he felt that she got goose bumps.
"Are you cold?" he inquired worriedly.
"No," she answered and she felt heat rise into her cheeks. When she had put her left hand on his shoulder he made the first step and they moved with others in perfect waltz time, which was the music at the moment. It was not a large distance between them and the few around them. They shared were sufficient, in order to create their hearts racing.
In James the thoughts began piling up. Lily got goose bumps because of me! Because of me! Because I affected her, he thought pleased and smiled at her, when she looked up to him - and her green eyes gentle, nearly shy looked into his brown.
Lily felt his hand strongest on her hip, although his fingers only rested there easily on her skin and stayed there. He made no movement, undertook no attempt to feel more of her. She looked up to him, in the moment as James saw down to her and again his warm eyes caught her.
If he could affect her in such a way only by looking at her, how would it be then to feel James with her whole body? Lily considered and her fantasy drew clear lines, which almost caught her breath.
James was disappointed when the music had finished. The confidenceness had been too short, the security, which had blossomed between them, was gone.
"Thanks for the dance," he said with a raw voice.
"It doesn't have to end yet," gathered Lily all her courage and spoke what came to her mind. Damn! They were 24 years old and they had grown out of teenage habits.
Prongs smiled. "I was hoping you'd say that."
Suddenly the invisible web of self-consciousness evaporated and both drew a deep relieved breath. Exactly in this moment of new music started. It was strong, fiery, but melancholy and passionate at the same time. It was a Tango.
Lily moved closer to James and his hand moved from her hip up to her back. Gently and determining at the same time he led her into the first sway steps of the sultry dance. Her cheek rested on his chest and his smell preoccupied her senses. His heartbeat reached in her ear, strong and full.
James held his breath when Lily leaned closer and he felt her body intensely. But then he took her reliably with him. She followed him with closed eyes. Lily let herself fall; she was led only by his impulses. Two slow agonizing steps were followed by two quick steps before a final slow step. He led her in several steps that allowed her to show off her agility and sculpted body before he pulled her close and started with the basic step once more. A turn followed. He observed how small strands of her hair fell out of her put-up and swayed together with her earrings back and forth.
Like three days ago, Prongs thought, when I met her the first time. But he continued. He pursued her several steps. But Lily felt secure, she could not fall, because his hand, no, his whole arm held her and offered her security.
Again James stopped. Lily's leg skimmed along his; played a little. Then she separated from him. Stepped around him, her hand roamed over his chest, shoulder and back. His hand reached for hers and led Lily exactly by a turn before him. With her back leaned now on his chest, her fingers groped along his thighs and stayed there, his hand rested on her belly. James's torso gave her a new impulse and closely pushed together walked sideways.
The world around them was blurred. Only the two of them existed. Lily and James. There was only the body of the other and the music, which gave the direction of their movements.
Again James stopped her, again her leg skimmed along his. Again she drew ornaments on the parquet, walked around him and seduced him with her touch. He turned to her, pulled her close and led her through the last steps, which would mean the end of the music. When the last tones sounded they preformed the last steps, again he pursued her over the dancefloor. James stopped abruptly and Lily reached him one second later and pushed to him. Fast he put his arms around her and supported her. Then the music was silent and they remained in this position.
Both breathed fast, when looked at each other. Their lips were only centimeters away and then applause fallowed.
When they heard the sound both snapped back into reality and looked bewilderedly around. They were the only one on the dance floor. Everyone else had been spectators to their seductive dance. Everyone had seen how they had enticed each other, had led in temptation.
Both knew something by heart. Something had changed. Tomorrow everything would be different. Nothing like it had been three days ago.
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